Netanyahu Slams NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Over Arrest Call Ahead of UN General Assembly Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the mayor said Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits New York.

Speaking in a television interview, Netanyahu accused Mamdani of "fomenting hate", arguing that the mayor should represent all residents of New York rather than deepen divisions among different communities.

Netanyahu also said he intends to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) despite the controversy.

What Did Zohran Mamdani Say?

The dispute stems from comments made by Mayor Mamdani regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu.

Mamdani stated that:

• New York City does not have the legal authority to execute an ICC arrest warrant.
• He believes the US federal government should take appropriate action regarding the warrant.
• Netanyahu is "not welcome" in New York City, describing him as a war criminal based on the ICC's allegations.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani had also discussed the possibility of directing city police to enforce the warrant, although he later acknowledged that such authority does not rest with the city.

Netanyahu Rejects ICC Charges

Netanyahu dismissed the ICC allegations as "bogus" and has consistently rejected accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant related to allegations concerning Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes the court's jurisdiction in the matter.

The legal proceedings remain ongoing, and Netanyahu has denied all allegations.

Debate Over the Gaza War

The political exchange comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

According to Israeli authorities, approximately 1,200 people were killed during the Hamas attack.

Palestinian health authorities say that more than 73,000 people have been killed in Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza. These casualty figures have not been independently verified and are frequently cited by international media and humanitarian organizations.

The conflict continues to generate intense international debate over humanitarian conditions, international law and regional security.

Netanyahu Raises Concerns Over US Support

In the interview, Netanyahu expressed concern that bipartisan political support for Israel in the United States has weakened in recent years.

He also said he is worried about what he described as increasing antisemitism in the United States and other Western countries.

Netanyahu argued that Jewish communities, particularly in New York City, have become increasingly concerned about the current political climate.

Trump Voices Support

Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the controversy, saying in a social media post that Netanyahu "will not be arrested" while in the United States.

Trump's remarks came ahead of Netanyahu's expected meetings in Washington before his planned appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Legal Questions Surround the ICC Warrant

The controversy has also highlighted legal questions surrounding the enforceability of ICC arrest warrants in countries that are not parties to the court's founding treaty.

While the ICC can issue warrants, enforcement generally depends on cooperation from member states and relevant national authorities.

The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.

Why This Matters

The dispute underscores growing international divisions over the Gaza conflict and the role of international legal institutions.

It also reflects broader political debates in the United States over support for Israel, international law and the limits of municipal authority in matters involving foreign leaders and international criminal proceedings.